How to do a clean re-install of W7?

Goose · 21 Mar 2014 at 15:18

I've just ordered a 280X as a long overdue replacement for my GTX460 and I want to do a complete format/reinstall of Windows 7 to avoid any driver issues plus I haven't done one since first getting W7 a few years ago.

Is it any more complicated than disconnecting my 2 HDD's (leaving just my SSD) then booting up with my USB stick with W7 on it and following the instructions?

Also, does anyone have a good guide for how to actually make a bootable W7 USB installer (i'll google it myself now, thought i may as well ask anyway)?

Thanks

snips86x · 21 Mar 2014 at 15:19

You don't even need to do that!

Providing your drives are names/labelled, you can just format and install the OS on the drive. The drive labels will still remain during the install process until complete. If you don't want to risk it, disconnecting the HDDs will be just as adequate.

marc2003 · 21 Mar 2014 at 15:35

use rufus to make your bootable USB stick. it's much quicker than the official microsoft tool.

http://rufus.akeo.ie/

also, i'd disconnect your other drives just to be on the safe side. there's nothing worse than boot files ending up on the wrong drive/parition.

Goose · 21 Mar 2014 at 16:31

Thanks chaps.

Do I need to download an ISO or make one from my W7 disc?

marc2003 · 21 Mar 2014 at 16:38

imgburn will create an ISO from your windows 7 disk. take care to decline the junk it offers during the install. it's still good software.

edit: if your disk doesn't have SP1 built into it, you'd be better off downloading one that does.

mame · 21 Mar 2014 at 18:35

All I do is copy my documents from by SSD to another HDD, then format and reinstall windows on the SSD. That's it. All my games are on Steam on another HDD.